Auckland University students were recently given the opportunity of a lifetime as they embarked on an all-expenses-paid study tour of Silicon Valley and San Francisco. This life-changing trip was made possible by philanthropist and entrepreneur Tony Falkenstein, who generously sponsored the excursion. Over the course of late August and early September, 15 students from Auckland University were able to visit some of the biggest tech firms in the world and witness the vibrant startup culture firsthand.
The itinerary for the trip included visits to tech giants Amazon and Google, where the students had the chance to explore the cutting-edge technologies and innovations that drive these companies. Additionally, the students participated in a workshop hosted by Allbirds, a sustainable footwear brand co-founded by New Zealander Tim Brown. Allbirds, which recently went public on the Nasdaq, has experienced a rollercoaster ride of success, making the workshop even more valuable for the students.
The group also had the opportunity to visit Synthego, a leading biotech company specializing in Crispr gene-editing technology. This visit provided valuable insights into the world of biotechnology and its potential for transforming various industries. In addition, the students visited startups such as ClassDojo and Drop Station, where they learned about the challenges and opportunities involved in building and scaling a successful business.
One of the highlights of the trip was the chance to meet with expat Kiwi entrepreneurs who are making waves in the Bay Area. The students had the privilege of interacting with individuals such as Bowen Pan, who played a key role in creating Facebook Marketplace, and Bethanie Maples, a former lead at Google AI who recently founded Atypical AI. These meetings provided inspiration and invaluable advice from experienced entrepreneurs who have achieved remarkable success.
The Vanguard trip, as it was called, was made possible through the generous support of Tony Falkenstein. Falkenstein, a prominent figure in the business community, has donated a total of $1.2 million to the University of Auckland Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship to facilitate these types of transformative experiences for students. This program aims to send up to 20 students and two faculty members to Silicon Valley and San Francisco each year.
Falkenstein expressed his satisfaction with the program’s success, stating, I was fortunate to accompany the Vanguard group to Silicon Valley in September 2023. I was able to observe how successful the program was in terms of opening the eyes of participants to the realities of the global world. The students said the trip was life-changing, and I am sure that is correct.
It is worth noting that this is not the only initiative supported by Falkenstein. He has also donated $500,000 to Waikato University’s School of Management for a similar student travel program focused on countries in East Asia, and he has provided $300,000 to Onehunga High School to establish a business studies program. Falkenstein’s commitment to supporting education and entrepreneurship demonstrates his dedication to empowering future generations.
The Auckland University students who participated in the Silicon Valley and San Francisco study tour undoubtedly gained a wealth of knowledge and inspiration from this unique experience. As they continue their education and embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys, the memories and insights from this trip will undoubtedly shape their futures. Thanks to the generosity of Tony Falkenstein, these students have been given a rare opportunity to witness firsthand the epicenter of the global tech and startup landscape, an experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.
